Active between c 1855 and 1913.

Carte de visite 1860s.

Carte de visite 1870s

​The photographic career of George William Latter spanned almost fifty years of Southampton’s history. In 1851 his father Charles was listed as a brewery worker in the London suburb of Chiswick, and 18-year-old George was already a daguerreotype artist.

In 1852 George married in Brentford. Two children were born in Greenwich, and then in 1855 the family moved to Southampton. The 1857 Post Office directory listed G.W Latter as 'Joseph Latter', photographist, at 20 Cambridgeshire Street.

The 1861 census recorded the family living at 22 Brunswick Square, at the end of Bernard Street, and George’s occupation was given as Photographic Artist. The 1863 trade directory for Southampton documented twelve photographers working in the town. G.W Latter was listed as having studios at 22 Brunswick Square and a new second studio at 13 Bernard Street. 

Carte de visite 1870s.

By 1871 the family had moved into 13 Bernard Street, where George Latter settled and worked for over forty years as a portrait photographer. Bernard Street was a broad, busy street in which many photographers ran successful studios. The 1871 census recorded Latter as a Master Photographer employing one woman and one boy. In 1881 one of Latter's sons was his photographic assistant. In the 1880s Latter opened a new studio at 28 High Street, Lymington. After this time cards were printed with the stamp of The Eclipse and Star Photographic Company. 

​By 1891 his son was still listed as a photographic assistant, but was not living at 13 Bernard Street. One of Latter's daughters was also recorded as an assistant, and resident at number 13. Latter's wife died in 1894, and he remarried in 1896.

Carte de vsite 1880s

​The Bernard St studio was listed as The Photograph Shop in 1901, and Latter as a Photographer employer. In the early 1900s Latter took fewer portraits, as he diversified into Marine Photography, photographing boats and ships of all kinds in the port. Latter was listed as a Marine Photographer in the 1907 Photographers section.

Carte de visite 1880s

Carte de visite 1880s

​In 1911 George Latter gave his occupation as photographer for the census record, and his wife was listed as his assistant. Latter advertised for the last time in the 1912/13 Directory, before he died in Southampton in 1913. 

Cabinet Card early 1900s.
​The Orotava was built in 1889 and requistioned for use as a troop ship between 1899 - 1903, transporting troops from Southampton to serve in the Boer Wars.